Youthbridge Community Foundation

12685 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, MO, 63141 / Cake artist: Rich Brooks

The Youthbridge Foundation goes back to 1877, when it was called the German General Protestant Orphan’s Home. The non-profit charitable group focuses mainly on 1) nonprofit sustainability, 2) transfer of wealth, 3) community support, and 4) leadership. In 2005, it partnered with Washington University. Together, they started and funded Havenhouse, which is located at Youthbridge. In 2013, Youthbridge provided more than $1,000,000 to St. Louis youth/children’s charities.

The Haven House with the cake in front!Some of the handprints of cakers!

Cake placement date: July 21

Where is the cake now?: The cake still sits outside the building, even though for a time it was moved inside. (February 2018)

Memories: One of the last three cakes put out, this was painted live by Rich Brooks at Soulard Art Market. Some of the cakers came and watched, and even contributed handprints on top of the cake!

Rich Brooks, the cake’s artist, on painting the cake: “With this cake I invited families to bring their children. showing big hearts giving to little hands help. Painted children holding placards surrounded the cake spelling out Thank you. One little girl on the cake became very popular as her shirt that read “I love cake” and next to her is a sweet young girl expressing “me too”. It was fun to include importance of people with disabilities and the importance of hands touching hands. To make this cake special, I invited cakers to bring in their children so we could put their hands on the cake. This was inspired by one young lady asked me if she could touch the cake. I realized it was important and I wanted to share in painting this cake. A few adults wanted to help, so heck, their hands are on the cake too.”